U.S. patent application number 13/522501 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-06 for body contouring apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to SYNERON MEDICAL LTD.. Invention is credited to Itzhak Elkah.
Application Number | 20120310311 13/522501 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44506184 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120310311 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Elkah; Itzhak |
December 6, 2012 |
Body Contouring Apparatus
Abstract
The current method and apparatus provide a body contouring
apparatus employed in cosmetic body contouring treatments such as,
but not limited to, fat reduction, body circumference reduction,
cellulite reduction, skin tightening and skin rejuvenation at a
clinical or dedicated professional setting, in the privacy of the
subject's own home or at a comfortable and relaxing fitness room,
sports activity center or spa-like environment.
Inventors: |
Elkah; Itzhak; (Irvine,
CA) |
Assignee: |
SYNERON MEDICAL LTD.
Yoqneam,Illit
IL
|
Family ID: |
44506184 |
Appl. No.: |
13/522501 |
Filed: |
February 20, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
February 20, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL11/00170 |
371 Date: |
August 14, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61307517 |
Feb 24, 2010 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
607/102 ;
607/101; 607/112 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2018/00994
20130101; A61B 18/12 20130101; A61F 7/0053 20130101; A61F 2007/0052
20130101; A61B 2018/0016 20130101; A61F 5/0009 20130101; A61F 7/007
20130101; A61F 2007/0228 20130101; A61B 2018/00452 20130101; A61B
2018/124 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
607/102 ;
607/101; 607/112 |
International
Class: |
A61N 5/00 20060101
A61N005/00; A61F 7/08 20060101 A61F007/08 |
Claims
1. A body contouring apparatus comprising: at least one body
accommodating surface operative to accommodate at least part of a
subject's body; a controller; a source of RF energy; and at least
one energy delivery modular component removably connected to said
body accommodating surface and having at least two RF delivery
electrodes, operative to communicate with said controller and said
source of RF energy and generate a sweeping tissue heating wave
effect creating a progression of a heated zone across a segment of
tissue to be treated.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus also
comprising: at least one sensor selected from a group consisting of
a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an impedance sensor; a
timer; and wherein said controller operative to communicate with
said sensor and timer, store in a database data received therefrom
and control and monitor treatment parameters related to said energy
delivery modular component in accordance with a predetermined
treatment protocol.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said
body accommodating surface and energy delivery modular component is
stationary.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said effect is at
least one of linear and rotational sweeping tissue heating wave
effect.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said energy delivery
modular component also includes at least one light emitting element
operative to emit light in at least one of visible and Infra Red
range to heat a segment of tissue to be treated.
6. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said treatment
parameters are at least one parameter selected from a group
consisting of temperature, pressure and RF voltage and
frequency.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said body
accommodating surface and/or said energy delivery modular component
are operative to apply mechanical energy to said part of said
subject's body in contact therewith and wherein said controller is
also operative to monitor and control said applied mechanical
energy.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said body
accommodating surface is associated with at least one of a body
massaging unit, a portable vibration applying cushion, a body
support accessory, sports clothing, a waist-trimming massage belt
and a treadmill.
9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said modular
component is disposable.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said modular
component also includes at least one carrier having on one surface
a pattern of a plurality of spaced apart applying elements
operative to apply to the body at least one type of energy selected
from a group consisting of RF energy, light energy and mechanical
energy.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said RF energy
applied to the body by said RF delivery electrode is in the range
of 1 W-40 W in accordance with the type of applied treatment and
part of body to be treated.
12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus
controller also includes at least one of an automatic and manual
input functionality that enables entering of information relating
to user information, preferences and settings and data received
from previous treatment sessions.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said automatic
input functionality enables automatic entering of information
received from at least one of a sensor and timer.
14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said controller is
also operative to carry out at least one of the following
functionalities: adjust cosmetic treatment parameters in accordance
with said predetermined treatment protocol; adjust cosmetic
treatment parameters in relation to information input from at least
one of said sensor and timer; cease and resume treatment
application in accordance with at least one of predetermined
treatment parameters and duration of treatment; alert a user
regarding a deviation from said treatment parameters in accordance
with predetermined treatment protocol; and provide a user with a
disposable modular component replacement time alert.
15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said controller is
also operative to: limit duration of treatment to avoid overheating
of tissue; limit use time of said energy delivery modular
component; provide a disposable modular component replacement time
alert, following a predetermined number of uses or maximal
allowable duration of use; and provide said controller with usage
data such as number of uses, duration of use and dates of use.
16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said controller is
also operative to communicate with the internet, receive
information therefrom and adjust cosmetic treatment parameters in
accordance with said received information.
17. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said source of RF
energy is at least one of a disposable source of energy and a
rechargeable source of energy.
18. A disposable energy delivery modular component for a body
contouring apparatus, said component comprising: at least one body
accommodating contact surface operative to accommodate at least
part of a subject's body; at least two RF energy delivery
electrodes mounted on said contact surface, operative to apply RF
energy to said at least part of said subject's body and generate a
sweeping tissue heating wave effect creating a progression of a
heated zone across a segment of tissue to be treated; at least one
mechanical energy delivery element operative to transfer mechanical
energy to said at least part of said subject's body; and at least
one sensor.
19. A method of a cosmetic treatment, said method comprising:
coupling to a segment of body a disposable energy delivery
component; employing said energy delivery component to apply at
least one type of energy and generate a sweeping tissue heating
wave effect creating a progression of a heated zone across a
segment of tissue to be treated; sensing at least one of the
effects caused by at least one of the energies and providing
feedback; and modifying at least one type of said energies applied
to a segment of the body and treatment parameters in accordance
with said feedback and a predetermined treatment protocol.
20. The method according to claim 19, wherein said effect is at
least one of linear and rotational sweeping tissue heating wave
effect.
21. The method according to claim 19, wherein said types of energy
are selected from a group consisting of RF energy, light energy and
mechanical energy.
22. The method according to claim 19, wherein said RF energy
applied to the body is in the range of 1 W-40 W in accordance with
the type of applied treatment and part of body to be treated.
23. The method according to claim 19, wherein said feedback is at
least one type of feedback selected from a group consisting of
temperature, pressure, and impedance.
24. The method according to claim 19, wherein said treatment
parameters are at least one parameter selected from a group
consisting of temperature, pressure and RF voltage and
frequency.
25. The method according to claim 19, wherein also applying
vibration energy.
26. The method according to claim 19, wherein also: ceasing and
resuming treatment application in accordance with at least one of
predetermined treatment parameters and duration of treatment;
alerting a user regarding a deviation from said treatment
parameters in accordance with predetermined treatment protocol;
providing a user with a disposable modular component replacement
time based on a predetermined number of uses or maximal allowable
duration of use; limiting duration of treatment to avoid
overheating of tissue; limiting use time of a disposable energy
delivery modular component; and collecting and storing usage data
such as number of uses, duration of use and dates of use.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The method and apparatus relate to the field of cosmetic
body contouring devices.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Cosmetic body shaping treatments commonly involve employment
of complex devices by professionals in clinical settings. The
numerous methods of treatments apply various forms of energy to the
tissue, primarily consisting of heating energy, in a form of light,
radiofrequency (RF), ultrasound and microwaves and any combination
thereof.
[0003] These methods commonly involve employing an applicator to
house and translate a source of application energy over the skin,
following various patterns of translation paths The translation of
the applicator is often mechanical and carried out manually or
automatically. Moreover, manual translation of the applicator is
commonly subject to deviations from the predetermined treatment
protocol path pattern and may bring about non-uniform treatment of
the tissue.
[0004] The tissues to be treated commonly include the skin and
various skin layers such as collagen tissue, hair and hair growth
components such as hair follicles and sub-cutaneous fat tissue.
[0005] Apparatuses such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,470,216 are complex, often mobile, apparatuses employed in a
clinical setting as alternatives to plastic surgery. The apparatus
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,470,216 includes a hand held
conforming template that is mobile and houses energy delivery
devices delivering heating energy to the body structure to be
treated primarily to effect remodeling of the collagen tissue.
[0006] US Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0183251 also
discloses a device and method for remodeling of the collagen tissue
employing primarily tri-polar RF energy by translating an
applicator over the tissue to be treated.
[0007] US Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0239077 disclosed
a cosmetic and/or medical apparatus in supervised clinical setting
employing ultrasound energy for lipolysis and body contouring. This
application also discloses an electromechanical device that moves
at least a portion of the acoustic elements to different locations
on the cuff.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0008] The current method and apparatus provide a body contouring
apparatus employed in cosmetic body contouring treatments such as,
but not limited to, fat reduction, body circumference reduction,
cellulite reduction, skin tightening and skin rejuvenation at a
clinical or dedicated professional setting, in the privacy of the
subject's own home or at a comfortable and relaxing fitness room,
sports activity center or spa-like environment.
[0009] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the current
method and apparatus, the apparatus may include an optionally
disposable, removably attached, energy delivery modular component
that may be attached to a body accommodating surface connected to
any suitable commonly available or dedicated body treatment
accessory, converting it into a cosmetic body contouring apparatus.
Such an accessory may include and/or be associated with, for
example, a body massaging unit such as a massage recliner, a
portable vibration applying cushion, a body support accessory such
as a human-back supporting belt, sports clothing, a waist-trimming
massage belt or treadmill. The energy delivery modular component
feature makes the body contouring apparatus readily portable and
convenient for use in a non-clinical setting.
[0010] In another embodiment of the current method and apparatus,
the RF treatment applied by an array of energy delivery modular
components results in an effect of progression of a heated linear
zone in a tissue layer progressing along a predetermined path in
accordance with a treatment protocol. The linear and/or rotational
sweeping tissue heating wave effect is created without physical or
mechanical movement of, for example, an applicator, a cuff, a body
accommodating surface and/or electrodes. The linear and/or
rotational sweeping tissue heating wave effect also provides a
soothing and relaxing sensation of a sweeping wave of warmth across
and area of tissue to be treated.
[0011] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the
current method and apparatus the apparatus may also include safety
features such as one or more sensors, and a controller including a
timer and a time control unit so that to automatically monitor and
control employment of the apparatus by a user in a private
non-clinical setting.
[0012] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the current method
and apparatus, the apparatus may also be designed to apply
peripheral and circumferential cosmetic treatment to temporarily
increase muscle tone, blood-circulation and fat cell metabolism to
contour circumferential areas such as, but not limited to, the
waist area and proximal limbs.
[0013] In still another exemplary embodiment of the current method
and apparatus, the apparatus may apply invasive and/or non-invasive
types of cosmetic treatment to the body including forms of energy
such as, but not limited to RF energy, light energy and mechanical
energy.
[0014] In another exemplary embodiment of the current method and
apparatus the energy delivery modular component may be supplied by
a rechargeable and/or disposable power source.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The present method and apparatus will be understood and
appreciated from the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the drawings in which:
[0016] FIGS. 1A and 1B are simplified views of exemplary
embodiments of the current method and apparatus;
[0017] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are simplified views of three
configurations of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1B;
[0018] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E are simplified plan view and
side view illustrations of exemplary embodiments and electrode
configurations of an energy delivery modular component in
accordance with the current method and apparatus;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a simplified view of a user interface in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the current method
and apparatus;
[0020] FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E are simplified plan view and
cross-sectional view illustrations of generation of a linear
sweeping heating wave effect in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the current method and apparatus;
[0021] FIGS. 6A-6J are simplified plan view illustrations of
several configurations of the linear sweeping wave effect of FIGS.
5A-5E in accordance with the current method and apparatus;
[0022] FIGS. 7A-7E are simplified plan view illustrations of
generation of a peripheral rotational heating wave effect in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the current method and
apparatus;
[0023] FIGS. 8A-8C are simplified plan view illustrations of
generation of a linear sweeping heating wave effect across an array
of RF electrodes of an energy delivery modular component in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the current method and
apparatus;
[0024] FIGS. 9A-9D are simplified illustrations of a linear
sweeping tissue heating wave effect generated by an array of energy
delivery modular components in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the current method and apparatus; and
[0025] FIGS. 10A-10E are simplified plan view illustrations of
several configurations of the linear sweeping wave effect across an
array of energy delivery modular components in accordance with the
current method and apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT METHOD AND APPARATUS
[0026] For the purpose of this disclosure the term "Cuff" as used
hereinbelow means any belt-like band operative to partially or
fully enclose the circumference of a body part such as a limb or
torso.
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, which are simplified views
of exemplary embodiments of the current method and apparatus. FIG.
1A illustrates a seat 100 having a body accommodating surface 102
and one or more energy delivery modular components 104 integrally
attached thereto. Alternatively, body accommodating surface 102 may
be removably attached, independently or together with one or more
energy delivery modular components 104 to a piece of furniture such
as a massage recliner employing a removable attachment system (For
example, 3M Scotch.RTM. Hook-and-Loop Tape) or attachment
clips.
[0028] Energy delivery modular components 104 may be replaceable
and/or disposable and attach to body accommodating surface 102 with
detachable connectors such as ECG snap type connectors, miniature
coaxial (MC) type RF Connectors or any other suitable detachable
connector.
[0029] Body accommodating surface 102 may include or connect to a
power source 106 communicating with modular components 104. Power
source 106 may be and/or include a source of RF energy. Optionally
and alternatively, each modular component 104 may be independently
connected to a source of power (not shown) that may be and/or
include a source of RF energy. The sources of power supplying
modular components 104 may be rechargeable or disposable.
[0030] Body accommodating surface 102 may also include a disposable
fenestrated sheet (Not shown), made of a thin disposable material
such as paper, fabric and/or textile or a thin plastic sheet, to be
replaced following each treatment session. The fenestrations of the
disposable fenestrated sheet may overlap the locations of energy
delivery modular components 104 to enable contact thereof with the
surface of the body part to be treated.
[0031] Energy delivery modular components 104 may be operative to
apply minimally invasive and/or non-invasive types of cosmetic
treatment to the body including applying forms of energy such as,
but not limited to, RF energy, light energy and mechanical energy
as will be explained in detail hereinbelow.
[0032] Optionally, energy delivery modular components 104 may also
include one or more mechanical energy delivery elements 108 to
deliver vibration energy to tissue to be treated. Mechanical energy
elements 108 may include, for example, vibrating balls that
temporarily increase muscle tone, blood circulation and fat tissue
metabolism in the local area to be treated.
[0033] Optionally, body accommodating surface 102 may also include
one or more mechanical energy delivery elements 108 to deliver
vibration energy to tissue to be treated.
[0034] Modular component 104 may be connected to a controller 112
and communicate therewith. Controller 112 may include a timer and a
time control and counter unit and be operative to control modular
components 104, body accommodating surface 102 and power source
106.
[0035] Modular component 104 may also include one or more sensors
110 selected from a group consisting of a temperature sensor, a
pressure sensor and an impedance sensor. Optionally, body
accommodating surface 102 may also include one or more sensors
110.
[0036] Sensors 110 provide controller 112 with feedback consisting
of one or more treatment parameters selected from a group
consisting of temperature, pressure, and tissue impedance.
Controller 112 timer provides controller 112 with time information
input. Controller 112 may also be operative to activate or reset
the timer in accordance with a predetermined cosmetic treatment
protocol.
[0037] Controller 112, based on treatment parameters received from
sensors 110, time information received from the timer and in
accordance with a predetermined cosmetic treatment protocol is
operative to carry out one or more of the following
functionalities: adjust cosmetic treatment parameters such as RF
voltage and frequency, cease and resume treatment application and
alert a user regarding information relating to treatment parameters
and duration of treatment.
[0038] Controller 112 time control and counter unit is operative to
receive time information input from the timer and an RFID located
in modular component 104 and/or body accommodating surface 102 to
monitor and control time associated functionalities in accordance
with a predetermined treatment protocol. Such functionalities
include limiting duration of treatment to avoid overheating of
tissue, limiting use time and/or providing a disposable modular
component 104 replacement time alert following a predetermined
number of uses or maximal allowable duration of use, and providing
controller 112 with usage data such as number of uses, duration of
use and dates of use. Controller 112 is operative to store the
information received from time control and counter unit in a
database.
[0039] Controller 112 is also operative to remotely communicate and
receive information from the Internet relating to cosmetic
treatment protocols and treatment parameter settings and adjust
cosmetic treatment parameters in accordance with the received
information.
[0040] FIG. 1B illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the
current method and apparatus, in which body accommodating surface
114 is integrally attached to a portion of a waist cuff 120.
Alternatively, body accommodating surface 114 may be removably
attached to waist cuff 120 employing a removable attachment system
layer (For example, 3M Scotch.RTM. Hook-and-Loop Tape) or
attachment clips. Modular component 104 may be connected to
controller 112 and communicate therewith as explained
hereinabove.
[0041] Optionally, one or more mechanical energy elements 108 may
also be located in one or more modular components 104 and/or body
accommodating surface 114 of waist cuff 120. Waist cuff 120 may
also include a power source 106 to supply modular components 104.
The power source may be a standalone unit/module, or be carried in
a pouch attached to the cuff or a limb of a person using the
cuff.
[0042] Energy delivery modular component 104 may, independently or
in association with cuff 120 and body accommodating surface 102,
constitute a portable body contouring apparatus, carried in, for
example, a suitable carrying case, operative to be employed in a
non-clinical environment and optionally in association with
commonly used home, spa and fitness room furniture and accessories
such as fitness trainer machines and treadmills.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, which are simplified
views of three application configurations of the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 1B. FIG. 2A illustrates employment of waist cuff
120 in cosmetic circumferential treatment of the waist and abdomen
area. Cosmetic treatment of this area may contribute to fat
reduction, waist area circumference reduction, cellulite reduction,
skin tightening and skin rejuvenation.
[0044] Cuff 120 may also be adjusted to be employed in an
application configuration for the cosmetic circumferential
treatment of the proximal portion of a limb such as the proximal
portion of the leg, as shown in FIG. 2B and/or the proximal portion
of the arm, as shown in FIG. 2C, to contribute to fat reduction,
limb circumference reduction and sagging skin treatment such as
skin tightening and skin rejuvenation.
[0045] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E, which
are simplified plan view and cross-sectional view illustrations of
exemplary embodiments and electrode configurations of an energy
delivery modular component 104 in accordance with the current
method and apparatus. As shown in FIG. 3A, energy delivery modular
component 104 includes a carrier 300 and one or more RF electrodes
302 attached thereto. Carrier 300 may be made of a rigid,
semi-rigid or flexible material and may be padded with a soft
fabric. RF electrodes 302 communicate with controller 112 (FIG. 1)
and are supplied by power source 106 connected to modular component
104 via a connector 304. Alternatively, energy delivery modular
component 104 may be connected to power source 106 indirectly
through body accommodating surface 102 via a connector 304.
[0046] Modular component 104 may also include one or more sensors
110 selected from a group consisting of a temperature sensor, a
pressure sensor and an impedance sensor operative to communicate
with controller 112 (FIG. 1). Controller 112 is operative to store
information received from sensors 110 in the database and control
RF electrodes 302. Carrier 300 may also include a rigid or flexible
printed circuit board (PCB) to house all electrical communication
wires between modular component 104 elements such as RF electrodes
302, connector 304 and sensors 106.
[0047] Energy delivery modular component 104 and/or body
accommodating surface 102 may also include user identification
capability such as RFID (not shown) to control and limit usage
thereof. For example, the use of a disposable component may be
recorded in the RFID in a way that it will prevent repeat use of
the same disposable component.
[0048] RF treatment energy may be applied in a monopolar, bi-polar
and multipolar mode and electrodes 302 would be constructed
accordingly. RF electrodes 302 may also be operative to apply RF
energy in pulse or continuous form at a power level in the range,
but not limited to, between 1 W and 40 W. Commonly, the lower RF
power settings are applied in non-clinical cosmetic treatment
applications whereas the higher RF power settings are applied in
professionally supervised or clinical cosmetic treatment
applications. For example, RF power settings for non-clinical
cosmetic treatment applications may commonly be in the range, but
not limited to, between 1 W-20 W and more commonly in the range,
but not limited to, between 7 W-15 W. RF power settings for
professional supervised or clinical cosmetic treatment applications
may commonly be in the range, but not limited to, between 18 W-40 W
and more commonly in the range, but not limited to, between 25 W-35
W. The generated RF energy by electrodes 302 is employed to apply
one or more cosmetic treatments selected from a group consisting of
fat reduction, body circumference reduction, cellulite reduction,
skin tightening and skin rejuvenation as well as to increase
blood-circulation and fat cell metabolism to contour the body.
[0049] The configuration shown in FIG. 3A is a multipolar
configuration of electrodes 302 of modular component 104.
Temperature sensor 310 in this configuration may be a thermistor
operative to monitor the tissue temperature during application of
the RF cosmetic treatment. Alternatively, sensor 310 may be a
pressure sensor operative to communicate with controller 112 and
convey thereto information relating to contact or lack thereof
between modular component 104 electrodes 302 and surface of tissue
to be treated. Controller 112 may activate or deactivate one or
more modular component 104 electrodes 302 or adjust cosmetic
treatment parameters in accordance with the input from sensor
110.
[0050] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the
current method and apparatus and as shown in FIG. 3B, modular
component 104 may include a bipolar configuration of electrodes
302. A temperature sensor 110 such as a thermistor may be located
between each pair of electrodes 302 operative to monitor the tissue
temperature during application of the RF cosmetic treatment. In
this embodiment, modular component 104 also includes one or more
mechanical energy delivery elements 108 and a sensor 310 to monitor
contact or lack thereof between modular component 104 electrodes
302 and surface of tissue to be treated as described
hereinabove.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 3C, which is another exemplary
embodiment of energy delivery modular component 104 in accordance
with the current method and apparatus. In this embodiment, carrier
300 also includes a light emitting element 306 operative to emit
light in the visible and Infra Red (IR) range to heat a segment of
tissue to be treated. In this embodiment, sensor 310 may be a
thermistor. Both light source 306 and sensor 310 are operative to
communicate with controller 112 and power source 106. Optionally,
light emitting element 306 may be an LED type light source.
[0052] In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the
current method and apparatus, and as shown in FIG. 3D, RF
electrodes 302 may also include one or more applying elements
carriers 320 having on one surface thereof a plurality of RF
voltage applying elements 322 in a spaced apart pattern as
described in assignee's PCT Application Publication No.
WO2009/072108, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference. Alternatively, applying elements 322 may be light
emitting elements such as LEDs, VCSELs, laser diodes, and
other.
[0053] In accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the
current method and apparatus, RF electrodes 302 may include a
plurality of spaced apart protruding conducting elements (not
shown) configured to contact a skin surface at a plurality of
discrete and separate locations and penetrate the layers of the
skin such as, for example, the epidermis, as described in
assignee's U.S. Patent Application 2006/0047281 the disclosure of
which are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0054] Reference is now made to FIG. 3E, which is a simplified side
view illustration of another exemplary embodiment of the energy
delivery modular component 104 of FIG. 3A viewed from the direction
indicated by arrow X. Carrier 300 includes one or more electrodes
302 attached to an energy delivery surface 312. An attachment
surface 314, opposite to surface 312, includes one or more ECG snap
type connectors 304 readily connectable to corresponding ECG snap
type connector receptacles on body accommodating surface 102.
Connectors 304 Attachment surface 314 may also be coated with a
removable attachment system layer 324 (For example, 3M Scotch.RTM.
Hook-and-Loop Tape) or attachment clips. Modular component 104 also
includes a sensor 310 attached to energy delivery surface 312
thereof operative to communicate with controller 112 (FIG. 1) via
connectors 304.
[0055] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which illustrates a
simplified view of a user interface 400 in accordance with another
exemplary embodiment of the current method and apparatus. User
interface 400 includes a monitor 402, which may be, for example, a
touch screen monitor, action buttons 404 and indicators 406.
[0056] A user may employ interface 400 to select from a
predetermined selection of treatment protocols and initiate or stop
the treatment session.
[0057] User interface 400 monitor 402 may also present a user with
information retrieved from controller 112 (FIG. 1) database such as
treatment parameters, stored user information, preferences and
settings and data received and stored from previous treatment
sessions.
[0058] User interface may communicate with controller 112 directly
via connector 304 or by wireless communication.
[0059] User interface 400 may also be operative to sound various
auditory signals such as treatment beginning and end indications
and alerts indicating deviation from treatment parameters.
Generation of the audio signals may be controlled by controller 112
in accordance with a predetermined treatment protocol.
[0060] Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5E, which are simplified plan view
and cross section view illustrations of RF electrode generation of
a linear sweeping heating wave effect in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the current method and apparatus. Each of
FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E is accompanied by a corresponding
cross-sectional view taken along the axis X-X.
Electrode 302, of the type shown in FIG. 3D includes a carrier 320
and a plurality of RF voltage applying elements 322 in a spaced
apart pattern. In FIG. 5A, elements 322 are arranged in an array
along rows (a-f) and columns (a'-f').
[0061] Controller 112 (FIG. 1) is operative to activate and
deactivate individual elements 322 of RF electrode 304 in
accordance with a predetermined treatment protocol.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 5A, only rows (a) and (b) are activated by
controller 112, as indicated by the blackening of elements 322 of
rows (a) and (b), and RF current flows from elements 322 in row
(a), through tissue to be treated, to elements 322 in row (b)
heating a linear zone 324a of tissue layer 326 therebetween and
parallel thereto corresponding to an area 328a on carrier 300.
[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 5B, row (a) is now inactivated and
only rows (b) and (c) are activated. RF current now flows from
elements 322 in row (b), through tissue to be treated, to elements
322 in row (c). Heated linear zone 324a of tissue layer 326 has now
cooled down and an adjacent linear zone 324b corresponding to an
area 328b on carrier 300 is now heated.
[0064] In FIG. 5C, rows (a) and (b) are now inactivated and only
rows (c) and (d) are activated. RF current now flows from elements
322 in row (c), through tissue to be treated, to elements 322 in
row (d). Heated linear 324b zone of tissue layer 326 has now cooled
down and an adjacent linear zone 324c corresponding to an area 328c
on carrier 300 is now heated.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 5D, rows (a), (b) and (c) are now
inactivated and only rows (d) and (e) are activated. RF current now
flows from elements 322 in row (d), through tissue to be treated,
to elements 322 in row (e). Heated linear 324c zone of tissue layer
326 has now cooled down and an adjacent linear zone 324d
corresponding to an area 328d on carrier 300 is now heated.
[0066] In FIG. 5E, rows (a), (b), (c) and (d) are now inactivated
and only rows (e) and (f) are activated. RF current now flows from
elements 322 in row (e), through tissue to be treated, to elements
322 in row (f). Heated linear 324d zone of tissue layer 326 has now
cooled down and an adjacent linear zone 324e corresponding to an
area 328e on carrier 300 is now heated.
[0067] The RF treatment results in an effect of progression of
heated linear zone 324 of tissue layer 326 progressing along a
predetermined path in accordance with a treatment protocol in the
direction indicated by the arrow assigned reference numeral 500
creating a linear sweeping tissue heating wave effect without
physical or mechanical movement of, for example, cuff 120 or
electrodes 302.
[0068] All directions of progression of the sweeping tissue heating
wave effect described hereinbelow are given with respect to the
drawing plane. It is appreciated that the apparatus may not be
limited to any particular plane and may be operative in any
orientation.
[0069] Turning now to FIGS. 6A to 6F illustrate several
configurations of the linear sweeping wave effect of FIGS. 5A-5E in
accordance with the current method and apparatus. FIG. 6A
illustrates a horizontal linear sweeping tissue heating wave effect
generated in a tissue layer (not shown) by a corresponding area 328
moving in a vertical direction from row (a) to row (f) in a
direction indicated by arrow 600 and explained in detail
hereinabove. This effect may progress repeatedly uni-directionally,
for example, rows (a)-(f), (a)-(f), (a)-(f), etc., or,
bi-directionally, for example, rows (a)-(f), (f)-(a), (a)-(f),
(f)-(a), etc.
[0070] FIG. 6B illustrates a vertical linear sweeping tissue
heating wave effect generated in a tissue layer (not shown) by a
corresponding area 328 moving in a horizontal direction from column
(a') to column (f') in a direction indicated by arrow 600. This
effect may repeat uni-directionally, for example, columns
(a')-(f'), (a')-(f'), (a')-(f'), etc., or, bi-directionally, for
example, columns (a')-(f), (f')-(a'), (a')-(f'), (f')-(a'),
etc.
[0071] FIGS. 6C-6E illustrate a diagonal linear sweeping tissue
heating wave effect generated in a tissue layer (not shown) by a
corresponding area 328 moving in a diagonal direction from a corner
W towards a corner Z in a direction indicated by arrow 600. This
effect may repeat uni-directionally, for example, W to Z, W to Z, W
to Z, etc., bi-directionally, for example, W to Z, Z to W, W to Z,
Z to W, etc, or in a crisscross pattern, for example, between
corners W, X, Y and Z: W to Z, X to Y, W to Z, X to Y, etc.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 6F a diagonal linear sweeping tissue
heating wave effect generated in a tissue layer (not shown) by a
corresponding area 328 may move in a pendulous pattern of
progression pivoting around an imaginary point indicated by
reference numeral 602 in a back and forth direction indicated by
arrow 600.
[0073] As shown in FIGS. 6G-6J, RF electrode 302 may also generate
a rotational heating sweeping wave effect, pivoting around an
imaginary point indicated by reference numeral 602, generated in a
tissue layer (not shown) by a corresponding area 328 in a in
circular direction indicated by arrow 600. FIGS. 6G, 6H, 6I and 6J
illustrate such a rotational heating sweeping wave effect at four
selected exemplary stages of such a rotational effect. The sweeping
wave effect enables heat application to a tissue segment
substantially larger than by conventional electrodes.
[0074] Turning now to FIGS. 7A-7E, which are simplified plan view
illustrations of RF electrode 302 generation of a peripheral
rotational heating wave effect in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the current method and apparatus. Electrode 302, of
the type shown in FIG. 3D includes a carrier 320 and a plurality of
RF voltage applying elements 322 in a spaced apart pattern. As
shown in FIG. 7A, only four pairs 702, 704, 706 and 708 of elements
322 along the outer periphery, for example, rows (a) and (f), and
columns (a') and (f') are activated by controller 112 (FIG. 1) as
indicated by the blackening thereof.
[0075] FIG. 7B illustrates the shifting of the position of each of
pairs 702, 704, 706 and 708 along the periphery in a clockwise
direction.
[0076] FIG. 7C illustrates another shifting of the position of each
of pairs 702, 704, 706 and 708 along the periphery in a clockwise
direction as indicated by arrow 700.
[0077] FIG. 7D illustrates yet another shifting of the position of
each of pairs 702, 704, 706 and 708 along the periphery in a
clockwise direction.
[0078] At the stage shown in FIG. 7E the continuous shifting
results in a 180 degree peripheral rotation of a tissue heating
wave in a clockwise direction as indicated by arrow 700.
[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8C which are plan view
illustrations of generation of a linear sweeping heating wave
effect by RF electrodes 302 of the type shown in FIG. 3D across
energy delivery modular component 104 in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the current method and apparatus. In FIGS.
8A-8C nine electrodes 302 are arranged in an array of three rows
and three columns (a), (b) and (c). In FIG. 8A, only electrodes 302
of components 104 in column (a) are activated generating three
vertical linear sweeping tissue heating wave effects generated in a
tissue layer (not shown) by corresponding areas 828. It will be
appreciated that the areas in the tissue corresponding to areas 828
may expand radially due to heat convection and adjacent heated
areas may coalesce to create a linear heated tissue area
corresponding to area 830. Activating components 104 electrodes 302
as described in detail hereinabove, may create a vertical linear
sweeping tissue heating wave effect 830 moving in a horizontal
direction from column (a) to column (c) in a direction indicated by
arrows 800.
[0080] In FIG. 8B, components 104 of column (a) are inactivated and
only electrodes 302 of components 104 in column (a) are activated.
In FIG. 8C, components 104 of column (b) are inactivated and only
electrodes 302 of components 104 in column (c) are activated. This
serial process generates a vertical linear sweeping tissue heating
wave effect generated in a tissue layer (not shown) by a
corresponding area 828 moving in a horizontal direction from column
(a) to column (c) in a direction indicated by arrows 800.
[0081] Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9D, which are simplified
illustrations of a linear sweeping tissue heating wave effect
generated by an array of energy delivery modular components 104 of
the type shown in FIG. 3D in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the current method and apparatus. As shown in FIG.
9A, a multiplicity of energy delivery modular components 104 are
attached to a body accommodating surface 102. As described
hereinabove, energy delivery modular components 104 are connected
to, and supplied by power source 106 and controlled by a controller
112. Energy delivery modular components 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d,
104e, 104f, 104g and 104h are arranged in a double-line array.
[0082] In FIG. 9A only modular components 104a and 104e are
activated heating a linear zone of tissue in contact therewith
corresponding to an area 930 on modular components 104a and 104e,
in a linear fashion as described in detail hereinabove and in a
direction indicated by arrow 900.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 9B, components 104a and 104e are now
inactivated and only components 104b and 104f are activated heating
the tissue in contact therewith in a linear fashion as described
hereinabove in a direction indicated by arrow 900.
[0084] In FIG. 9C, components 104b and 104f are now inactivated and
only components 104c and 104g are activated heating the tissue in
contact therewith in a linear fashion as described hereinabove in a
direction indicated by arrow 900.
[0085] In FIG. 9D, components 104c and 104g are now inactivated and
only components 104d and 104h are activated heating the tissue in
contact therewith in a linear fashion as described hereinabove in a
direction indicated by arrow 900.
[0086] This results in a vertical linear sweeping tissue heating
wave effect moving in a horizontal direction along tissue to be
treated in a direction indicated by arrows 900. It will be
appreciated that the vertical linear sweeping tissue heating wave
effect may also be generated by modular components of any of the
types described hereinabove.
[0087] Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10E, which illustrate multiple
configurations of linear and rotational sweeping tissue heating
wave effects generated by an array of energy delivery modular
components 104 attached to a body accommodating surface 102 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the current method and
apparatus. FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a horizontal linear
sweeping tissue heating wave effect moving in a vertical direction
from components 104a, 104b, 104c and 104d towards corresponding
components 104e, 104f, 104g and 104h. The horizontal linear
sweeping tissue heating wave effect may repeat uni-directionally or
bi-directionally as described in detail in FIG. 6A hereinabove.
[0088] As shown in FIG. 10C, two horizontal linear sweeping tissue
heating wave effects may move in a vertical direction away from an
imaginary central axis indicated by a broken line X. FIG. 10D
illustrates two horizontal linear sweeping tissue heating wave
effects that may move in a vertical direction towards an imaginary
central axis indicated by a broken line X. FIG. 10E illustrates a
linear sweeping tissue heating wave effect configuration
progressing in a clockwise direction along the periphery of body
accommodating surface 102.
[0089] Any one of the aforementioned configurations may also employ
rotational sweeping tissue heating wave effects described
hereinabove and shown in FIG. 10F. All of the configurations
described hereinabove may be controlled by controller 112 in
accordance with a predetermined treatment protocol, input of
treatment parameters from sensors 110, the timer and time control
and counter unit and/or be configured manually employing interface
400.
[0090] The RF treatment described hereinabove results in an effect
of progression of heated linear zone of a tissue layer progressing
along a predetermined path in accordance with a treatment protocol
in the direction indicated by the arrows assigned reference numeral
1000 creating a linear and rotational sweeping tissue heating wave
effect heating large tissue segments without physical or mechanical
movement of, for example, cuff 120, body accommodating surface 102
and/or electrodes 302.
[0091] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present method and apparatus are not limited to what has been
particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of
the invention includes both combinations and sub-combinations of
various features described hereinabove as well as modifications and
variations thereof which would occur to a person skilled in the art
upon reading the foregoing description and which are not in the
prior art.
* * * * *